The Guide to the Scriptures

Moses

An Old Testament prophet who led the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and gave to them a set of religious, social, and dietary laws as revealed by God.

Moses’ ministry extended beyond the limits of his own mortal lifetime. Joseph Smith taught that, in company with Elijah, he came to the Mount of Transfiguration and bestowed priesthood keys upon Peter, James, and John (Matt. 17:3–4; Mark 9:4–9; Luke 9:30; D&C 63:21).

Moses appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery on 3 April 1836, in the temple in Kirtland, Ohio, and conferred on them the keys of the gathering of Israel (D&C 110:11).

Latter-day revelation speaks much concerning Moses. He is mentioned frequently in the Book of Mormon, and from the Doctrine and Covenants we learn about his ministry (D&C 84:20–26) and that he received the priesthood from his father-in-law, Jethro (D&C 84:6).

Latter-day revelation also confirms the biblical account of his ministry among the children of Israel and reaffirms that he was the author of the five books that begin the Old Testament (1 Ne. 5:11; Moses 1:40–41).

The book of Moses

Chapter 1 records a vision in which Moses saw God, who revealed to him the whole plan of salvation. Chapters 2–5 are an account of the creation and the fall of man. Chapters 6–7 contain a vision about Enoch and his ministry on earth. Chapter 8 contains a vision about Noah and the great flood.